Macbeth

Shakespeare's classic bloody tale of one man's blind ambition (spurred on by a power-mad spouse) and the eventual tragic consequences provide ideal grist for the librettist's mill, and inspired Verdi to compose his favorite early opera. Recorded live from the Opernhaus Zürich, Macbeth is given a hard-edged, postmodern treatment with starkly minimal settings and innovative costuming; a lean, mean approach that allows the viewer to focus on the dramatic tension of the piece (particularly in the refugee camp scene in Act 4). Most of the standard cuts are made here (the ballet in Act 3, the final aria in Act 4), furthering the streamlined plot that characterizes this work. Verdi had prescribed an “ugly” sound for the leading soprano, but happily this is not the case here; among the uniformly superb cast, Paoletta Marrocu gives a fiery, dramatic and sexy portrayal of Lady Macbeth; Thomas Hampson richly deserves his standing ovation as Macbeth; Roberto Scandiuzzi makes an outstanding Banquo; and all are wonderfully supported by fine choral work and orchestral sound, under the aegis of Franz Welser-Möst. If you have room for a non-traditional production, you won't do better than this one, nicely presented with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)